2nd Annual International Brain and Spine Tumor Symposium

Primary and metastatic brain tumors remain some of the most complex and rapidly evolving conditions in oncology and neurosurgery. Clinicians across specialties face growing challenges in applying the latest evidence-based strategies for diagnosis, treatment, and long-term management. Many practitioners are unaware of critical gaps in practice, including underuse of molecular diagnostics, limited integration of functional preservation in surgery, inconsistent application of advanced radiation modalities, and under-addressed neurocognitive and quality-of-life outcomes—especially in pediatric and global settings.

This dynamic, case-based activity will explore the current approaches and latest breakthroughs in the diagnosis, treatment, and interdisciplinary management of primary and metastatic brain tumors across the lifespan. This activity offers critical updates in cutting-edge surgical approaches and molecular diagnostics to precision radiotherapy and survivorship care.

This educational forum will bridge adult and pediatric neuro-oncology, equipping clinicians with practical tools to tailor treatment plans based on tumor biology, patient age, functional status, and global considerations. Special focus will be placed on connectome-guided surgery, advanced radiation modalities, and quality-of-life strategies that align with patient-centered care goals.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this activity, participants should be better able to:

• Describe recent advancements in the diagnosis and classification of brain tumors, including molecular profiling, neuroimaging modalities, and updates to WHO CNS tumor taxonomy.
• Select and apply evidence-based surgical and radiation strategies—such as connectome-based surgery, stereotactic radiosurgery, and proton therapy—tailored to tumor type, location, and patient factors.
• Differentiate treatment approaches for pediatric versus adult patients, incorporating global best practices and addressing disparities in access and outcomes.
• Evaluate the risks and benefits of emerging systemic therapies and targeted treatments for primary and metastatic brain tumors, particularly in recurrent or high-risk cases.
• Integrate neuropsychologic assessment and supportive care services into the comprehensive management of brain tumor patients to optimize functional outcomes and quality of life.
• Collaborate effectively across specialties—including oncology, neurosurgery, neuroradiology, neuropsychology, and integrative medicine—to enhance care coordination and patient-centered outcomes.
• Apply shared decision-making frameworks and survivorship planning to address long-term cognitive, neurologic, and psychosocial challenges associated with brain tumor treatment.

Target Audience

This activity is designed for medical and radiation oncologists, neuro-oncologists, neurosurgeons, neuroradiologists, neuropsychologists, pediatric oncologists, integrative medicine specialists, nurse practitioners, and allied health professionals involved in brain tumor care.

Planning Committee 

Nicholas DeNunzio, MD, PhD
Anil Nanda, MD, MPH
Nehal Parikh, MD
Jonathan H. Sherman, MD
Morana Vojnic, MD, MBA

Accreditation

In support of improving patient care, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.

Physicians: Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences designates that live activity for a maximum of 6.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation.

Advanced Practice Nurses, Physician Associates and Nurses:  ANCC and NCCPA accept certificates of participation for educational activities approved for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ from organizations accredited by ACCME. 

Faculty Disclosure: The relevant financial relationships of all individuals who affect the content of continuing education activities and any discussion of off-label/investigational uses will be disclosed to the audience at the time of the activity.

Method of Participation

In order to meet the learning objectives and receive continuing education credit, participants are expected to register for the activity, check in at the registration desk, attend the program, and complete the online evaluation at the conclusion of the activity. A CE certificate will be emailed to participants upon
completion of the online evaluation.

Credits

AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ (6.25 hours), Non-Physician Attendance (6.25 hours)